The EC helps build startups, most of which are primarily built upon some sort of technological backbone. Apps, social media platforms, online communities. Widgets and gadgets. Digital everything.

Often, these devices are created in an effort to allow us all to communicate more effectively, to share more, to expand our networks further than we ever thought possible. Its important and its working.

WIth that being said, never underestimate the importance of a little face to face time. I had almost forgotten, a temporary lapse in judgement partially due to the submersion into this forward looking age of tech. But then, something nice happened.

Capstar came into the EC with a pretty simple but important question: How do we connect? They didn't come in with answer, just an open mind, and a genuine passion to understand. They wanted to know how to create strong relationships, form a sincere bonds with the companies, and find real solutions. We all talked, brought in startups, brainstormed what made some partners more successful in there attempts to integrate themselves and their companies to the EC. We took a step back and examined some of the better examples of those: the Rich Lockwoods and Kevin Roddeys and LBMC's and c3's.

In the end, we came to upon a thought that manifested itself as a part of an answer: Be present, be here, and be genuine.

Since that time, Capstar has sent several mentors through training. They have attended speakers and programs and taken time to sit beforehand and send some emails from the cafe. They have eaten breakfast here and walked through to say hello.

They have, in a way, temporarily sidestepped the new wave of ways in which we communicate, the way in which the businesses we build are teaching the world to talk, and simplified. And, if you were to ask me or anyone else here at the EC, I would say its working beautifully.